Gentlemen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gentlemen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal address to a group of men, often in a professional or polite context. Example: "Gentlemen, I appreciate your attention to this important matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Bike Stop has the grungy decor you would expect, and serves cheap beer in big mugs to leather-clad gentlemen.

The Guardian - Travel

Most of the rest came from small shareholders with addresses in southern England: from bankers, barristers, spinsters, retired army officers and people known simply as "gentlemen".

The Guardian - Opinion

(Teddy Kollek, a long-term mayor of Jerusalem, was reported in the 1980s to have told a group of clerics who were hectoring him about access to the holy sites: "Gentlemen, gentlemen! Spare me your sermons and I will fix your sewers!") The US government closed twice in the last several years, and few ordinary citizens even noticed.

The Guardian

Success would mean the beginning of the end of these gentlemen who have forgotten what democracy means and the principles upon which a united Europe was founded".

The Guardian

Some gentlemen are watching Liverpool-Man U on a laptop.

The Guardian

Here, you can ride the escalators, take snaps and engage the wardrobe-shouldered gentlemen in conversations about architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

gentlemen have brought with them as a boon from the nether world is rejected with fervent contempt by the fairy inhabitants of "the Happy Land".

The Guardian

For women there is more to do with things like knitting groups, but for gentlemen there is nowhere to go".

The Guardian

Walter counts himself part of the village community, but – appropriately for a book that is all about power and belonging and ownership – will find himself alienated from gentlemen and labourers alike when the timeless certainties of village life are overturned.

The Guardian - Books

"Ladies and gentlemen, if we shout loud enough he might just hear us in hospital," he added, as the crowd broke into the most deafening roar of the evening, then chanted "Philip, Philip, Philip" as the Queen was visibly moved.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We must determine which of us shall die to furnish food for the rest!' "MR. JOHN J. WILLIAMS of Illinois rose and said: 'Gentlemen--I nominate the Rev. James Sawyer of Tennessee.' "MR. Wm.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Gentlemen" in formal settings when addressing a group of men, such as in business meetings, formal events, or written correspondence. It conveys respect and professionalism.

Common error

Overusing "Gentlemen" in casual conversations or informal settings can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for more relaxed terms like "guys", "men", or simply addressing individuals by their names.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Gentlemen" is as a plural noun, typically used as a direct address or vocative. Ludwig AI examples show it used in formal greetings and announcements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Gentlemen" is a formal noun used primarily to address or refer to a group of men. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news, business, and formal contexts to convey respect and professionalism. While widely accepted, it's crucial to use this term judiciously, recognizing its non-inclusive nature and opting for gender-neutral alternatives when appropriate to ensure inclusivity. Overusing the term in informal settings can be perceived as stilted or old-fashioned. Remember to consider the context and audience to ensure effective and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sirs

A more formal and concise way to address a group of men.

Men

A straightforward and direct term for referring to males.

Esteemed sirs

Adds a layer of respect and formality.

Ladies and gentlemen

Inclusive term addressing both men and women.

Male colleagues

Used in a professional setting to refer to male coworkers.

Fellows

An informal way to address a group of men.

Good men

Emphasizes the positive qualities of the men being addressed.

Male attendees

Refers to men present at an event.

Gentlefolk

A slightly archaic and more polite term.

Members of the male sex

A descriptive and less common way to refer to men.

FAQs

How to use "Gentlemen" in a sentence?

"Gentlemen" is typically used as a formal address. For example, "Gentlemen, please be seated" or "I present to you, gentlemen, the company's new strategy."

What can I say instead of "Gentlemen"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "Sirs", "Men", or "Ladies and "gentlemen"" for a more inclusive approach.

When is it appropriate to use "Gentlemen"?

It's appropriate to use "Gentlemen" in formal settings, such as business meetings, presentations, or formal correspondence where addressing a group of men specifically is required.

Is "Gentlemen" an inclusive term?

"Gentlemen" is not inclusive as it only addresses men. To be inclusive, use "Ladies and "gentlemen"" or use gender-neutral terms like "Everyone", "Colleagues", or "Attendees".